- test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org - classiccmp.org

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<Compare this to modern OSs - windows, macos, etc where the development pack <costs hundreds or thousands of dollars extra. VMS, all of the Unix clones, RT-11 to name a few still provide full development environment. I'm sure some(I would) here would add CPM OS9 and even PC based DOS(MS, DRdos, CCPM...). the amount of freeware or lowcost shareware for DOS/winders is quite impressive and plentyful. Of all the software out there CPM-80, APPLE and PCdos has the largest archives, but the PDP-8, -11, VAX archives are getting big. Allison

27 years, 1 month

2
1
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Top 150 Collectible Microcomputers

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

Polymorphic originally called it the "Micro Altair" until MITS threatened to sue them, and they renamed it the POLY-88. Kai -----Original Message----- From: Dwight Elvey [mailto:elvey@hal.com] Sent: Friday, June 18, 1999 2:52 PM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: Re[2]: Top 150 Collectible Microcomputers Marvin <marvin(a)rain.org> wrote: > > > > Polymorphic Systems POLY-88 > > I have asked a few people but so far no response. Since this was originally > named the Micro-Altair, did any of those machines actually get shipped with > that name? If so, I would consider them to be rather rare and worthy of a > separate listing. Say Huh? The Poly-88 was not an Altair. It was made by a group in Santa Barbara. I have one, they were manufactured and sold as a product called Poly-88. Dwight

27 years, 1 month

2
1
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HP7900A drive

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

I talked to a guy that does 7900A repair today. He said from what I described that the heads are probably just in need of strong cleaning with a toothbrush, then touchup with 100% alcohol. As long as the gimbal isn't bent, all should be well. That takes care of the heads. Then you wrote... >I fixed a Plessey RK05-a-like drive years ago using a platter taken from >a standard RK05 cartridge. If you're lucky (and I was), the fixed platter >seats on a machined area of the hub/spindle and doesn't need to be >centred up. Otherwise you have to centre it with a dial gauge before >clamping up the screws. He also said the platter scapes make the platter almost, but not quite, useless; and that I definitely need a new platter. The lower platter on the 7900A does in fact seat on a machined area of the spindle and doesn't need special centering - "just bolt it on? - just bolt it on". He said I could use any 14" disk media that was the right thickness. Can't remember if it was 50 mils or 75 mils. I think it's the same as the RK05. I'll find out the mils number tonight when I compare my 7900 cartridge with my 7905/6 one. All I need to do is clamp a metal micrometer on the platter <just kidding folks!>. So - does anyone have a broken RK05 type cartridge that they'd part with so I can steal the platter out of it? >It's worth trying. Clean the platter as well. It can't do _more_ damage, >after all... True, but if there is so much scraped oxide that the badtrack list is 10% of the platter, why even bother. I've been quoted anywhere from $50.00 to $250.00 for a media only surface (no hub, which is all I need). Hopefully someone here can help out? Thanks in advance!!! Jay West

27 years, 1 month

2
1
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Have I been unsubscribed?

by bill＠chipware.com

I have not received a single classiccmp message today (6/18/1999). Am I unsubscribed? Is the list down? Bill Sudbrink

27 years, 1 month

1
0
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Commodore 64GS

by BobMcPhail＠aol.com

Does anyone know where I can find a working Commodore 64GS system? I've been looking for the last two years with no luck. Please e-mail me if you know where I can purchase one. Thanks, Bob

27 years, 1 month

8
12
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it's just typical (was: First Apple I up for auction)

by edick＠idcomm.com

I don't know where this "reporter" got his information, but MITS did not build the IMSAI. It's sacrilege, that's what it is! It's like saying the Silver Cloud was built by YUGO. Dick -----Original Message----- From: Sellam Ismail <dastar(a)ncal.verio.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, June 17, 1999 12:19 PM Subject: Re: First Apple I up for auction >On Thu, 17 Jun 1999, Zane H. Healy wrote: > >> Now's some lucky persons chance to own a piece of computing history. >> >> http://www.wired.com/news/news/technology/story/20271.html >> >> Sam is in the article, and the place selling the computer is hoping to get >> $40,000 for it. > ><BIG ANNOYED SIGH> > >I love being misquoted. I also love it when the journalist takes the >information I give him and jumbles it all up into a miserable pile of >gibberish. > >Oh well, the price I pay for free publicity. > >Sellam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com >--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- >Don't rub the lamp if you don't want the genie to come out. > > Coming this October 2-3: Vintage Computer Festival 3.0! > See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! > [Last web site update: 05/25/99] >

27 years, 1 month

3
2
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OT -mostly -

by robert.edis＠creatcomp.com

OpenVMS still comes with development tools. You can write primitive interpretive code using DCL and more sophisticated stuff with TPU. The file management system RMS also comes free with VMS. Besides the above, there are many shareware or freeware development tools that can be used with VMS. For the private user, VMS can be free and comes with free C/C++, BASIC, Fortran, Perl and other compilers. How does BeOS compare with that? Blue PowerHouse consultant Rhode Island, USA Disclaimer: The opinions and ideas expressed in this message are my own and have no relationship to my current employer, Initial Technical Staffing, its client CCI, or any of CCI's clients. -----Original Message----- From: Jim Strickland [mailto:jim@calico.litterbox.com] Sent: Friday, June 18, 1999 3:58 PM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: OT -mostly - After playing with BeOS a while something occurred to me. Does anyone remember at what point operating systems stopped coming with development tools? I'm remembering the commodore 64 that came with Basic, and if you typed in the assembler from the manual, you could (at least in theory) write proffessional quality assembly language programs worthy of being sold to others. Compare this to modern OSs - windows, macos, etc where the development package costs hundreds or thousands of dollars extra. (small plug - BeOS comes with (theoretically) all the tools you need to do development on it.) -- Jim Strickland jim(a)DIESPAMMERSCUMcalico.litterbox.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- BeOS Powered! -----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 years, 1 month

1
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Sol-20 Keyboard

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

True, but I found that nearly all the keys were usable except for Enter, Space, Escape and Shift. Kai -----Original Message----- From: Don Maslin [mailto:donm@cts.com] Sent: Friday, June 18, 1999 12:06 PM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: RE: Sol-20 Keyboard On Fri, 18 Jun 1999, Kai Kaltenbach wrote: > Pull off one of the SOL keys. Note the spring and the key mounting > mechanism. Go to your local surplus joint and go through their pile 'o' old > keyboards, pulling a key off of each until you find one that uses springs -- > Keytronic made essentially the same foam-pad mechanism for years and years, > on PC keyboards. > > I found a suitable one quite easily, and replaced all of the foam in my SOL. The only problem with that, Kai, is that some of the PC keyboards are getting old enough to be a bit edgy also. But at least you won't have much invested except time! - don

27 years, 1 month

1
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Sol-20 Keyboard

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

Pull off one of the SOL keys. Note the spring and the key mounting mechanism. Go to your local surplus joint and go through their pile 'o' old keyboards, pulling a key off of each until you find one that uses springs -- Keytronic made essentially the same foam-pad mechanism for years and years, on PC keyboards. I found a suitable one quite easily, and replaced all of the foam in my SOL. Kai -----Original Message----- From: Marvin [mailto:marvin@rain.org] Sent: Friday, June 18, 1999 9:51 AM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: Sol-20 Keyboard Well, the saga continues. This unit does have the 85 key keyboard and the Sol-20 power supply so I don't know what to say about the model 10 on the nameplate. I took the keyboard apart last night and found both the sponge disintegrating and the metalized plastic that contacts the keyboard also has the metalization disappearing. Since I believe this is a capacitive type of keyboard, I can see why it didn't work. What have others on the list done to replace the plastic/sponge sandwich on this type of keyboard?

27 years, 1 month

2
1
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Who says familiy activities are extinct? ^_^

by DSEAGRAV＠toad.xkl.com

Yesterday, I spent all day at a customer's site, arguing with Windows NT. God, I hate NT. Anyway, I return to the office to clock out, call home, my mother answers. I says, "Is my supper still there?" She says, "Yes, and hurry home, me and your (little) sister went dumpster diving." "Uh, WHAT?" So, I go home. They scored 2 dead monitors, some miscellaneous System/36 disks, and 2 leased-line modems. So, I head out with them, to visit the dumpster again. Turns out it was a grade school not too far away. Anyway, I took some goodies, here's the highlights: An Apple 2/E, in (seemingly) working order, but no floppy controller. But it has the drives... A Laser 128. No power supply. What's this? IBM System/36 SSP and Microcode disks. Ohhh, yes. The 2 leased-line modems - a small Gandalf model, and something else. Miscellaneous 2e manuals. I have DOS disks and such elsewhere... Anyway, what's the Laser, and can I do much with the Apple, even though it has no floppy card? I suppose I have to RTFM... -------

27 years, 1 month

6
7
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it's just typical (was: First Apple I up for auction)

by edick＠idcomm.com

That was my point, Hans. I can't comment on the Morris Minor, but the Yugo did work, just as the Altair did. It's just that you always had to nurse the Altair along. Now the IMSAI was a different thing. It was laid out by a professional who designed the PCB assemblies like a "real" product, even back when people thought of microcomputers as fancy "toys" for the intellectual elite. The Altairs of the mid '70's were laid out the way 2nd year engineering students did it. If they had hired a professional, it would have cost more. Likewise, the Yugo was designed and built with many economies in the form of omissions. Dick -----Original Message----- From: Hans Franke <Hans.Franke(a)mch20.sbs.de> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Friday, June 18, 1999 12:20 PM Subject: Re: it's just typical (was: First Apple I up for auction) >> > I don't know where this "reporter" got his information, but MITS did not >> > build the IMSAI. It's sacrilege, that's what it is! It's like saying the >> > Silver Cloud was built by YUGO. > >> More like saying a Moris Minor was built by Yugo. > >Just help me: >Why you're always jumpin' on the Yugo ? >They had fine cars (when considering the price). >And in fact, I'd prefer a Yugo over a Moris Minor >(guess I won't be allowed to set a foot on the >isle in the future :). > >Gruss >H. > >-- >Der Kopf ist auch nur ein Auswuchs wie der kleine Zeh. >H.Achternbusch

27 years, 1 month

1
0
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TRS-80 parts/software needed

by roblwill＠usaor.net

Hi! I need the following stuff to fix my old TRS-80. I had it working again after I dropped paper clips into it, but the person who was junking the parts that I used to repair it were obviously throwing them out for a reason... I think all that I need are a model 3 or 4 motherboard, and a matching RS-232 interface. I could also probably use a model 4 keyboard, if I get the model 4 motherboard, but the model 3 one will still work, won't it? I also need a disk copy of VideoText software, Scripsit, and TRS-DOS (I have L-DOS, but it's for the Model 4). ThAnX, ///--->>> -Jason Willgruber (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#: 1730318 <http://members.tripod.com/general_1> PS>> I think there was someone on this list that was parting out an old Model 4. I think I emailed you about it, but I lost your address. Do you still have it??

27 years, 1 month

2
1
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HP7900A drive

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

Ugggg.... In my rush to spin up the drive, I had neglected to inspect the bottom heads for the fixed platter. They are, after all, almost hidden in the bottom. :[ This time I removed the bottom of the drive and looked underneath. There are the obvious telltale streaks on the bottom surface of the bottom (fixed) platter; it doesn't look gouged, but streaked nontheless. The bottom heads (which can only really be inspected from the bottom of the drive with the bottom cover off) don't look to be very happy. Definite oxide residue, but the heads at least LOOK structurally sound. Since the bottom fixed platter doesn't have servo data on it, I'm hoping a new bottom platter won't cost much more than a removable platter. Then I'm hoping that since the noise was never that pronounced that perhaps the heads will be OK after thorough cleaning. Don't know much about this - is that possible? I know, I'm probably hoping unrealistically. This pretty well trashes my hopes for TSB, at least until I can fix it or find another 7900A. On the bright side, it's pretty obvious that this damage was done before I got the drive. Small consolation ;) Jay West

27 years, 1 month

3
2
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Serial option for PCs

by jfoust＠threedee.com

An article on Slashdot <http://slashdot.org/askslashdot/99/06/17/1731248.shtml> asked about methods for making headless Linux boxes, and one of the reader answers was sufficiently retro and weird that I thought it might interest this list. <http://www.realweasel.com/> describes the PC Weasel 2000, an ISA card that emulates a mono video card, but that transmits the characters on the virtual screen out the serial port, and converts serial input to PC keyboard keystrokes. Thus no video monitor is needed, and no BIOS changes needed, in order to "see" even the lowest-level cold-boot options on a PC. - John

27 years, 1 month

1
0
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Motorola UDS modem....

by roblwill＠usaor.net

Hi! I just found an old Motorola Universal Data Systems model 201B/C modem in my basement while I was cleaning. I have the original box and manual, but can't figure out how to get it to work. It's odd- looking (in the fact that it's blue). It runs on 120 volts, has a 1/2 amp fuse, a toggle (power) switch, 25-pin DTE data connector, and the telephone input/output connectors on the back. The front is black and has 9 LED's on it, along with a rotary switch. The LED's are (left to right) MR/RI, TR,RS,CS,CD,RD,TD,TM,and POWER. The rotary switch (which is between the "TM" and "POWER" LED's has 9 positions for RDLST, RDL, LDL, AL, DATA, TALK, TTP, RTP, and ST. According to the manual, these are different test settings. Anyone ever worked with one of these? ThAnX, ///--->>> -Jason Willgruber (roblwill(a)usaor.net) ICQ#: 1730318 <http://members.tripod.com/general_1>

27 years, 1 month

2
1
0 0

Sanyo MBC 555

by PATTON2R＠aol.com

Hello all, Anybody else out there have a Sanyo MBC 555 computer? Anybody out there have MS-DOS version 1.25??? Robert Patton II PATTON2R(a)aol.com

27 years, 1 month

6
5
0 0

Who says familiy activities are extinct? ^_^

by SUPRDAVE＠aol.com

In a message dated 6/17/99 9:45:36 PM US Eastern Standard Time, tomowad(a)earthlink.net writes: > >A Laser 128. No power supply. What's this? > > It's an Apple IIe/IIc compatible. Unlike most "clones", VTech created > their own Apple II compatible ROMs and the machine is 100% legal. I've > never had any compatibility issues with mine, either. An ordinairy Apple > IIc power supply will work with the unit. > > Tom Owad > the only compatibility issue i had with the laser was that it wouldnt work with aol when they supported it. i had to borrow a //c to logon. i think laser claimed 99% just for these type issues. It's my understanding that the laser128 had the universal disk controller builtin so it handled pretty much any apple drive that could be plugged into the disk drive port.

27 years, 1 month

1
0
0 0

Who says familiy activities are extinct? ^_^

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<Actually, you can link 2 together - Tx terminals on one to Rx terminals <on the other and vice versa. Works with twin twisted pair cable up to a <few hundred metres (? Maybe a little more). If it's a short haul modem the limit is some 4000ft at something like 9600 or maybe even as fast as 38.4k. Used to used them in the DEC Mill for links off the eithernet using synchronous DUV-11s. Allison

27 years, 1 month

1
0
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Sol-10

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<Complex. This has two ROM sockets on it along with a switch to select one o <the other. The one at C000 is labeled "N* C000" and the one at F000 is <labeled "*80.2 F000". No idea what they are for as the NS* controller has it's own boot roms nominally at E800h. The C000h address is nothing special for NS* dos. Allison

27 years, 1 month

1
0
0 0

Who says familiy activities are extinct? ^_^

by tomowad＠earthlink.net

>A Laser 128. No power supply. What's this? It's an Apple IIe/IIc compatible. Unlike most "clones", VTech created their own Apple II compatible ROMs and the machine is 100% legal. I've never had any compatibility issues with mine, either. An ordinairy Apple IIc power supply will work with the unit. Tom Owad

27 years, 1 month

1
0
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Off Topic about GRiD and 1958 Oscilloscope- Help requested.

by fluke＠mcs.net

I've gotten my hands on a touchscreen GRiDpad. I don't recall the model number, but its just an LCD panel with some buttons along the side, and a stylus. I found a keyboard port pinout for it and build a power adapter, and can get it to ask me to abort, retry, or fail, but I cannot get it to do anything remotely useful. The appeal of this system is that I am a religious GEOS user for MSDOS pc's, and the idea of having touchscreen-GEOS is pretty cool (GEOS has built in support for the GRiD's goofy video resolution, I believe, as well as support for its touchscreen-mouse driver). My question is this: What do I put on a hard drive to get it to boot? It seems reluctant to boot off of a conventional micro-IDE drive that has MS-DOS on it, and if I don't have a drive plugged in it says GRiD Bios v. something.something. When I first got it it had no HD in it at all, just two PCMCIA looking slots, which I would assume to be PCMCIA sockets. One of these sockets is on a daughter board adjacent to a micro-IDE connector. I am stuck. I've had this in my basement for quite some time, but I can't figure out how to get it to boot anything. On a side note, I've also picked up a 1958 Tektronix O-scope (the school I go to was tossing it). It works fine, aside from the fact that the CRT on it scans so far to the left as to be almost off the screen. Does anyone out there have experience with this vintage of oscilloscope? Thanks! Greg

27 years, 1 month

9
12
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Help needed on HP 7900A disk drive (mechanical)

by jlwest＠tseinc.com

I'm in need of sage advice from others on the list, due to my lack of troubleshooting/repair experience with large (14") hard drives. I'm a sophomore with electronics, but these beasties are largely mechanical and out of my meager knowledge set. Background: I finally got a brand new (yes, really brand new) blank disk cartridge for my HP 7900A disk drive. The drive has never been powered up since I got it. The spindle motor won't even start on these drives unless the cartridge is in place (there is also a fixed platter underneath). Since the drive is obviously not checked out, I wanted to get blank media to test so I didn't ruin valuable data on a cartridge I am getting later. First I very thoroughly cleaned the drive inside and out, cleaned all contacts, heads, positioner reticule, etc. etc. etc. I then checked the power supply out carefully. Then I powered up the drive (without the cartridge) and tested a number of the basic mechanical functions, interlocks, and test points on some of the cards called out by the operating manual. Then I wanted to try loading the cartridge to see if the heads would crash nicely :) Keep in mind that once the cartridge is in, there is a load switch that powers up the spindle and 30 seconds later the heads do a seek. At any time during the spin up or seek, the unload switch will immediately and very quickly retract the heads and then the drive spins down. "Problem": I put the cartridge in the drive and hit load. You can hear the spindle come up to speed. Exactly 30 seconds later as stated in the operators guide, you can hear the heads move and then the drive ready light comes on. From what I understand if there are any problems at all up to this point, the drive fault lite would come on (including a seek fail, etc.). I kept my finger on the unload switch. The second the heads came out I could hear a disconcerting noise. I immediately hit unload. I removed the cartridge, and inspected both the cartridge and heads carefully. No obvious signs of problems. I reloaded the cartridge. This time, when drive ready lit up, the drive was nice and quiet for about 25 seconds. Then I started hearing the noise again. On and off, more and more, so I hit unload. Rechecked the heads and cartridge again - no obvious signs of damage. Tried loading the cartridge again. This time it ran for a few minutes before I heard the noise. I unloaded and rechecked everything, still no signs of problems. Gee - can you tell I'm paranoid about possibly ruining the new cartridge and/or the heads? :) The sound is not quite metallic, but very close. It sounds like something rubbing at high speed but at a pretty high pitch. The best way I can describe it is that it is almost identical to the sound an 8" floppy disk makes when you put it into an RX02 drive and close the door (the media turning inside the sleeve), but much louder. I'm pretty uncomfortable proceding with diagnostics, etc. unless someone here can calm my fears as to what the sound might be. Is it just due to the fact that it's a brand new cartridge, or is it indicative of a potential head crash, just a belt issue, dust, etc? I'm pretty familiar with the whine a drive makes when the bearings are going out, and it does not sound like that sound. Any help, ideas, thoughts, etc. are MOST appreciated! Jay West

27 years, 1 month

3
2
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Sanyo DOS was: Re: GRiD and misc

by rigdonj＠intellistar.net

At 09:29 AM 6/17/99 -0700, Grumpy old Fred wrote: >On Thu, 17 Jun 1999, Marvin wrote: >> I didn't realize a DOS 1.25 was issued; I only have DOS 1.1 (1.01?) > >There was an MS-DOS 1.25, but not a PC-DOS. The second released version of >PC-DOS was 1.10 Note that the part after the PERIOD was stored >internally as ten, and the part after the period was then ALWAYS displayed >as a 2 digit decimal number. MS-DOS was released to other OEMs, who could >even change the NAME! (Z-DOS, etc.) Most of them (Compaq, etc.) called >that version 1.25 Note that the part after the PERIOD was stored >internally as twenty five. The (original) Sanyo disks that I have say "MS(tm)-DOS V. 1.25 #1.0". Even though they called it MS-DOS it was VERY modified for the Sanyo. FWIW, Joe

27 years, 1 month

2
1
0 0

it's just typical (was: First Apple I up for auction)

by edick＠idcomm.com

Well . . . O.K. . . . you made your point. Nevertheless, the average MITS board looks like a screwed up piced of junk. . . . even the bare boards! The IMSAI products were all made up very nicely, clean circuit layout, good silkscreen, nice solder mask . . . AND most of them actually worked! Dick -----Original Message----- From: Dwight Elvey <elvey(a)hal.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Thursday, June 17, 1999 1:42 PM Subject: Re: it's just typical (was: First Apple I up for auction) >"Richard Erlacher" <edick(a)idcomm.com> wrote: >> I don't know where this "reporter" got his information, but MITS did not >> build the IMSAI. It's sacrilege, that's what it is! It's like saying the >> Silver Cloud was built by YUGO. > >More like saying a Moris Minor was built by Yugo. >IMHO >Dwight >

27 years, 1 month

1
0
0 0

Sol-10

by kaikal＠MICROSOFT.com

Sol-PC: $475 kit (Sol single board computer only) Sol-10: $795 kit (Includes case, power supply and 70-key keyboard) Sol-20: $995 kit (Including case, power supply, 5-slot S-100 backplane, fan, large power supply, and 85-key keyboard) Kai -----Original Message----- From: Sellam Ismail [mailto:dastar@ncal.verio.com] Sent: Thursday, June 17, 1999 9:18 AM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: Re: Sol-10 On Thu, 17 Jun 1999, Marvin wrote: > As I recall, Bob Marsh at VCF 1.0 indicated that the SOL-20 had only been > advertised and not produced. I am confused now. Last night, I pulled out the > SOL to fire it up and see if it worked or not. In looking at the nameplate, > it says "SOL Terminal Computer Model No. 10". No, there was never really a Sol-10. The Sol-10 was just a Sol-20 without the disk controller or something like that. If yours says Model 10 then that's interesting, and Bob Marsh lied :) Maybe it was the one that didn't originally come with a disk controller? Sellam Alternate e-mail: dastar(a)siconic.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Don't rub the lamp if you don't want the genie to come out. Coming this October 2-3: Vintage Computer Festival 3.0! See http://www.vintage.org/vcf for details! [Last web site update: 05/25/99]

27 years, 1 month

2
1
0 0

id this transputer tram

by rmeenaks＠olf.com

Hi, I have the following tram and I don't know what it is. It is manufactured by T2 Systems Ltd and is called a "Paradise 1/A" tram. It is a size 4 tram that has a T80x transputer on it. It also contains what looks like an IDC 50-pin connector (I didn;t count the pins, so I could be wrong). Does anyone know what it is?? Someone told me that it might be a data aquisition board (the IDC 50 looks like a connector for data aquisition according to this guy) but he can be wrong. If it is a DAQ card, what can I use it for?? Thanks Ram -- ,,,, /'^'\ ( o o ) -oOOO--(_)--OOOo------------------------------------- | Ram Meenakshisundaram | Senior Software Engineer | OpenLink Financial Inc | .oooO Phone: (516) 227-6600 x267 | ( ) Oooo. Email: rmeenaks(a)olf.com ---\ (----( )-------------------------------------- \_) ) / (_/

27 years, 1 month

2
2
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Disk Drive Documents

by edick＠idcomm.com

While fumbling around among some old stuff in the basement, I found a notebook which contains the OEM and service manuals for the following SHUGART 8" Floppy Drives. 800/801, 850/851, 860/861, 600-series Siemens 8" Floppy Drives FDD 100-8 (2 versions, quite different, same part number) User (OEM) Manuals only Seagate Technology 5-1/4" Winchesters Model 506, 406, 409, 412 Persci Model 270, model 277 If this stuff is worth preserving, perhaps there's a way to save scanned images for eventual conversion to PDF. Does anyone know about this? Dick

27 years, 1 month

9
9
0 0

plain great luck

by Jgzabol＠aol.com

Hi all, today some quite unbelievable piece of luck happened to me: While I was walking by the back entrance of a smaller University here in Minneapolis purely accidentally, not thinking about computers at all, I ran into a pile of electronics. Short investigation revealed that it was a 1965 CDC 3000 series hard drive electronics cage (14" removable pack electronics), perfectly undamaged and complete with all the ~150 cards (it so happened that I worked on an identical cage about 15 years ago), plus a heap of cards from assorted ~1971 Univac / Burroughs machines ! Within the next hour I found out that the building will be completely remodeled, and had to be emptied out. Quite obviously, someone forgot about 25 years ago this set of things in the second-level basement; nothing else there, though. General lesson: we should ask all schools regularly for their renovation projects !! John G. Zabolitzky P.S. If anyone knows about / wants to get rid of CDC equipment of that vintage, please let me know !

27 years, 1 month

2
1
0 0

More new things in search of docs... (MCS-85)

by jimw＠agora.rdrop.com

And yet another one... An Intel MCS-85 System Design Kit (8085 based single Board Computer) has wandered in sans docs... Anyone have a manual on this critter? -jim --- jimw(a)computergarage.org The Computer Garage - http://www.computergarage.org Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174 >>> Coming soon to www.computergarage.org - the CBBS/NW on-line archives >>> Coming to VCF III (2-3 October 1999) - CBBS/NW live!

27 years, 1 month

2
1
0 0

DECmicroserver

by yoda＠isr.ist.utl.pt

Oops, wrong subject! Sorry! -- *** Rodrigo Martins de Matos Ventura <yoda(a)isr.ist.utl.pt> *** Teaching Assistant and MSc. Student at ISR: *** Instituto de Sistemas e Robotica, Polo de Lisboa *** Instituto Superior Tecnico, Lisboa, Portugal *** PGP Public Key available on my homepage: *** http://www.isr.ist.utl.pt/~yoda *** Key fingerprint = 0C 0A 25 58 46 CF 14 99 CF 9C AF 9E 10 02 BB 2A

27 years, 1 month

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DECmicroserver

by yoda＠isr.ist.utl.pt

I recently got a couple of tape streamers: a Tandberg 3610 and a 3300. Does anyone have any documentation/specs on these drives? Cheers, -- *** Rodrigo Martins de Matos Ventura <yoda(a)isr.ist.utl.pt> *** Teaching Assistant and MSc. Student at ISR: *** Instituto de Sistemas e Robotica, Polo de Lisboa *** Instituto Superior Tecnico, Lisboa, Portugal *** PGP Public Key available on my homepage: *** http://www.isr.ist.utl.pt/~yoda *** Key fingerprint = 0C 0A 25 58 46 CF 14 99 CF 9C AF 9E 10 02 BB 2A

27 years, 1 month

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My new toy: HP85

by Philip.Belben＠pgen.com

> Tony Duell wrote: >> >> > FWIW the teeth on these belts are pitched at 0.080 inch - the standard "mini >> > pitch", unlike some equipment I have which uses belts with the teeth at 0.081 >> > inch... >> >> Can you really measure 1 thou difference on something like this? I would >> have thought the 'wrong' belt would have fitted anyway, since the rubber >> is somewhat elastic, and over the 20-or-so teeth engaged on a typical >> sprocket, you've only got an error of 20 thou... > To answer Tony's question first, yes you can. Take one of each belt and turn them inside out, i.e. teeth on the outside. (.080 inch from HP-85, .081 inch >from can't remember the make of papertape punch that was sold in the UK by Teleprinter Equipment.) Try and mesh the teeth of the two belts. It soon becomes obvious which one has the larger pitch. These belts, being string-reinforced, are not very stretchy and it would be difficult to get a .080 to run on .081 pulleys. >> In any case, how hard is it to make new sprockets with the right pitch >> (or even skim a bit off the existing ones to reduce the diameter >> slightly)? If the 'right' belts are impossible to obtain, this would seem >> to be a sensible solution. It might be a solution. In my Tektronix 4662 the belt is intact, but the pulley has died (20 teeth) I glued the old bits of (plastic) sprocket to the (metal) hub but it was just inaccurate enough to drop a tooth here and there. Result, the plotter couldn't get at the pens because they were offered up to the pen carrier at the wrong place... It might be quite easy to _buy_ new sprockets for .080 pitch. If not, I may ask to borrow your lathe, dividing head, etc... [Stan:] > Actually, the proper belts for the HP-85 printer are still easy to come > by. It took just two phone calls and I found a company called Stock > Drive Products in New Hyde Park, NY (516-328-3300). They ship these > belts from stock, and it doesn't appear that they have a minimum order > quantity (I ordered three of each of the two belts). The two part > numbers are A6B16-175012 and A6B16-078012, and they cost about two or > three dollars each. > Lucky you. When I contacted Stock Drive Products, they referred me to their UK agent, Davall. Davall do not, as far as I can determine, stock the HP85 belts. I found, eventually, another supplier, who said they could get the .080 and .081 pitch belts. I told them what belts I wanted and they promised to fax me a price, but I never heard any more. When I next get around to looking at the punch, I'll have another try... Philip.

27 years, 1 month

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Specs wanted: Pertec Interface (tape drives)

by jimw＠agora.rdrop.com

Out on another info quest... Just added a couple of Kennedy 9610, 9-track tape drives to the collection (nice since they are multi-density 800 thru 6260) and of course have no docs on them... (ain't it always the way?) So in particular, I'd like to find some tech info on the (so called) "Pertec Interface" so I can figure out what various systems in the collection I might be able to convince these critters to work with. (and get a bit more knowledge on tape drive interfacing in general) Any assistance, pointers, spare docs, etc., most welcome! Thanks; -jim --- jimw(a)computergarage.org The Computer Garage - http://www.computergarage.org Computer Garage Fax - (503) 646-0174 >>> Coming soon to www.computergarage.org - the CBBS/NW on-line archives >>> Coming to VCF III (2-3 October 1999) - CBBS/NW live!

27 years, 1 month

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Interested in old computing stuff -- europe area

by yoda＠isr.ist.utl.pt

Hi. I'm from Portugal, and I just wanted to state my interest on old computing material (non-PC) anyone wants to sell/give-away. Since it's not trivial to send medium-sized packaged overseas, I'm directing this mail to people living in europe (the closer to portugal the better 8-). Cheers, -- *** Rodrigo Martins de Matos Ventura <yoda(a)isr.ist.utl.pt> *** Teaching Assistant and MSc. Student at ISR: *** Instituto de Sistemas e Robotica, Polo de Lisboa *** Instituto Superior Tecnico, Lisboa, Portugal *** PGP Public Key available on my homepage: *** http://www.isr.ist.utl.pt/~yoda *** Key fingerprint = 0C 0A 25 58 46 CF 14 99 CF 9C AF 9E 10 02 BB 2A

27 years, 1 month

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RSTS/E V9.7 sysgen

by jpl15＠netcom.com

I believe I have located the appropriate materials to allow me to sysgen my 11/44 RSTS/E system, in order to add support for RL02s,and maybe RX02s and a few other things.... I have obviously never essayed this task before, though I *have* sysgenned a number of smaller CP/M systems, and I think I understand the basics of what/why. If there is anyone on The List reading this who has done this (sysgenning RSTS) before, and *especially* if there are big gaping booby traps to fall into... I would be most interested in the benefit of your experience. The install.log is available from the previous sysgen, so I have all the responses to the dialogs. Like (duh!) ought I to back up what I have now? [how does one do this to MS0: 1/2" tape?] Ought I to partition the drive? Does the process overlay the existing OS areas, or does it start over completely? And please don't jam me about RTFM... even if I *had* them I'm sure I'd have a bunch of other newbie questions.... ;} Cheers and thanks... John

27 years, 1 month

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Processor Technology SOL-20 Help Needed

by uiterwyk＠eisers.com

Hi folks, I was just lucky enough to acquire a PT SOL-20 (1976) in great shape to add to my collection. Unfortunately, no documentation, I would dearly love to have that, either in the original or a photocopy Anybody?? Thanks Robert ____________________________________________________________________________ ___________ Robert Uiterwyk uiterwyk(at)eisers(dot)com

27 years, 1 month

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Excellent new eBay links and new magazine issue

by MTPro＠aol.com

Hello everyone, I hope no one minds me posting this to both CC lists. I just wanted to pass along the good news - we have updated our eBay auction links, just point and click for what you're looking for in old computers. Please try it and we welcome your comments and/or suggestions for making it better and more complete. Go to: www.classiccomputing.com/auctions.html Also, "Classic Computing" #1 is ready to mail! It's turned out great and has the spirit of it's earlier incarnation, "Historically Brewed." Selected articles from the new issue, as well as past issues will be added to the site this week. Thanks very much. Retrocompute! David Greelish Classic Computing Press www.classiccomputing.com

27 years, 1 month

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My new toy: HP85

by Philip.Belben＠powertech.co.uk

> Wouter de Waal wrote: >> >> Hi all >> >> Yesterday evening a friend gave me a new toy. Hp85, which is a >> strange looking computer. Four slots at the back, and I have > > Just a quick reminder not to put a tape in the unit until you have checked > that the rubber roller inside is still intact. Looking is not quite good > enough but pushing it with a pencil eraser or whatever against it will show > if the rubber has deteriorated or is still good. While we're on the subject of decaying rubber in an HP85, I would add, don't try to run the printer until you have opened the unit up and freed off the drive belts - one for paper advance, one for print head. These belts go sticky and stick to the pulleys, so that when you try and run the machine they tear themselves to bits. It's a pity you weren't here a few months ago - a number of us got together and bought a bulk order of replacement belts very cheaply. I still have a spare pair if you're desperate, and I imagine one or two others may. FWIW the teeth on these belts are pitched at 0.080 inch - the standard "mini pitch", unlike some equipment I have which uses belts with the teeth at 0.081 inch... Philip. ********************************************************************** This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept for the presence of computer viruses. Power Technology Centre, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Nottingham, NG11 0EE, UK Tel: +44 (0)115 936 2000 http://www.powertech.co.uk **********************************************************************

27 years, 1 month

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Card Reader - HELP!

by leec＠slip.net

Hi all, I'm working on a volunteer project at the Computer History Center to interface a Documation desk top 80-column card reader to an IBM PC. The card reader is in very good condition, however we have no documentation for it. Do you know of, have, or can you provide pointers to any documentation for this device, how to interface to it, or operational information? On the back panel of the reader is a plate which lists the model as Documation "Model RM/TRM 10.12L-10.12C", with a sticker on the front with "Model 10.L12+", and operates at 115V 6.1A. The reader has a 1" x 2" (approximately) data connector on the back with this layout: +---------------------+ | O O O O | | O O O O | | O O O O O O | | O O O O | + | O X O | + | O O O O | | O O O O O O | | O O O O | | O O O O | +---------------------+ Legend: O female connector X Connector screw hole in center of the recepticle + Guide holes where the hood would attach The data connector is similar to, but isn't, a V.35 connector. TIA for your help. Please respond via email or phone. Thanks! Lee Courtney (650) 964-7052 leec AT-SIGN slip DOT net

27 years, 1 month

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VXT2000 info needed

by cfandt＠netsync.net

Hi folks, I went to the Rochester Hamfest on 5 June. Amongst other radio and computer items I dragged home were two VXT2000 boxes. No displays or keyboards, just the pizza boxes. The guy literally gave them to me when I was at his fleamarket space as he was starting to packup and go home just because I was studying them intently (I never saw one before). That'll learn me not to stare so dang long at somethin' an' get nabbed by the owner! My wife was there too. She just rolled her eyes after the 'transaction'. At least she carried the NOS P54 motherboard and parts we found for my stepson's computer upgrade plus some radio parts and manuals after I got handed the VXT's. These I understand are X-terminals but I know nothing else about them. Searching the usual places for useful info only told me they were X-terms. Could anybody provide more info to a curious mind as to what the hardware details are, their typical usage, any other details, etc.? Specific model numbers are VX20A-AA and VX20A-BC. I see the -AA has color video output and the -BC is monochrome. Seem to be the only hardware diffs. Will the good old LK201 keyboard work with these? What about the mono video: will the VT240 mono monitor work with the -BC? Kinda classy-lookin' hardware inside. Useful for anything (seriously)? Off-list please as these are really less than 10 years old. Thanks in advance for your usual good info! Regards, Chris -- -- Christian Fandt, Electronic/Electrical Historian Jamestown, NY USA cfandt(a)netsync.net Member of Antique Wireless Association Check our redesigned website! URL: http://www.antiquewireless.org/

27 years, 1 month

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pdp11/70 console manual.

by mcquiggi＠sfu.ca

Hi Erik: Thanks for the email. You'll need the Processor Handbook for the 11/70. It tells all about how to use the front panel. If you need schematics (probably not at this stage) then I can assist. I don't have the processor handbook, I suggest that you post on the classiccmp list and one of several people (Tony, Megan, Allison, Tim, ...) will likely respond with an offer to photocopy the relevant sections. I run a pdp-8 web site, one friend runs a pdp-11 web site on my machine. He may have posted the 11/70 manual in scanned form, or may have it and be able to scan it/copy it for you. Check out http://highgate.comm.sfu.ca/~rcini. Good luck, Kevin -- Kevin McQuiggin VE7ZD mcquiggi(a)sfu.ca

27 years, 1 month

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VXT2000 info needed

by emu＠ecubics.com

Hi Christian, -----Original Message----- From: Christian Fandt <cfandt(a)netsync.net> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Monday, June 14, 1999 7:59 PM Subject: VXT2000 info needed >These I understand are X-terminals but I know nothing else about them. >Searching the usual places for useful info only told me they were X-terms. Very nice X-Terminal. Even fast. Just got one of these one month ago and love to have it on my DECStation/NetBSD. >Could anybody provide more info to a curious mind as to what the hardware >details are, their typical usage, any other details, etc.? The VXT2000 is a little brother of the VAXStation 4000/90 (got the SGEC EThernet Chip form there) and the VAXStation 4000/vlc (got the CPU from there. Same CPU & Clock) > Specific model >numbers are VX20A-AA and VX20A-BC. I see the -AA has color video output and a resolution of 1280x1024x8 > and the -BC is monochrome. Seem to be the only hardware diffs. You can use the "standard" ps/2 simms in it. but only the 4MB pieces. >Will the good old LK201 keyboard work with these? Yes. > What about the mono video: will the VT240 mono monitor work with the -BC? NO, look at the resolution above :-(( >Kinda classy-lookin' hardware inside. Useful for anything (seriously)? YES. As a X-Terminal. Have fun, emanuel

27 years, 1 month

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VAXstation 3100

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<Okay Allison, now you caught me with three heretofore unheard of terms: <Cvax, Nvax and SOC. What the heck are these definitions? My MVII: what ter <above applies to it? Microvaxen are all the same like 386, 486, P5, however they mostly differin technology used to make them. MVII is the first NMOS version. Cvax is a CMOS version that was about 2.4-3.0 faster. SOC is system on chip, more of the glue and larger cache are inside it. speed on this can run to greater tha 20x MVII. Nvax is Cvax with internal cache 3-8x MVII I listed them in order of speed. chopped from a list by: Paul Hardy (PGH), Product Manager (former Chief Programmer), Laser-Scan Ltd, Science Park, Milton Rd, CAMBRIDGE, CB4 4FY, England. ----+---+-----+-------+--------+--------------------------------+--------- SID | X | Id | Speed | Bus | Model Name | Nickname ----+---+-----+-------+--------+--------------------------------+--------- MicroVAX II series (1985) - Decimal SID = 134217728 --------+-------------- 08 | 1 | UV2 | 0.9 | Q | MicroVAX II,VAXstation II | Mayflower 08 | 1 | UV2 | 0.9 | Q | VAXstation II/GPX | Caylith 08 | 4 | 410 | 0.9 | none | MicroVAX 2000 | TeamMate 08 | 4 | 410 | 0.9 | none | VAXstation 2000 | VAXstar ----+---+-----+-------+--------+--------------------------------+----------- CVAX chip series (1987) - Decimal SID = 167772160 ----------+-------------- 0A | 4 | 420 | 2.8 | S | VAXstation 3100 models 30, 40 | PVAX 0A | 4 | 420 | 2.4 | S | MicroVAX 3100 models 10, 20 | Teammate II 0A | 4 | 420 | 3.5 | S | MicroVAX 3100 models 10e, 20e | Teammate II 0A | 4 | 420 | 3.8 | S | VAXstation 3100 models 38, 48 | PVAX rev#7 Rigel chip series (1990) - Decimal SID = 184549376 ---------+-------------- 0B | 4 | 43 | 7.6 | S | VAXstation 3100 model 76 | RigelMAX Mariah chip series (1991) - Decimal SID = 301989888 --------+------------ 12 | 4 | 46 | 12 | S | MicroVAX 3100 model 80 | Waverley/M 12 | 4 | 46 | 17 | S | MicroVAX 3100 model 85 | Waverley/M+ NVAX chip series (1991) - Decimal SID = 318767104 ----------+-------------- 13 | 4 | 49 | 24 | S | MicroVAX 3100 model 90 | Cheetah 13 | 4 | 49 | 32 | S | MicroVAX 3100 model 95 | Cheetah+ 13 | 4 | 49 | 38 | S | MicroVAX 3100 model 96 | Cheetah++ SOC chip series (1991) - Decimal SID = 335544320 -----------+-------------- 14 | 4 | 440 | 5.0 | S | MicroVAX 3100 models 30, 40 | Waverley/S Allison

27 years, 1 month

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VXT2000 info needed

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<items I dragged home were two VXT2000 boxes. No displays or keyboards, jus Neat little xterms that do DCE, LAT and IP protocals. <Will the good old LK201 keyboard work with these? What about the mono LK201 is good, there is a mouse too (round hawly mouse). Monitor is a VR315. I have one of these. Check to see that there is RAM still in it! Also the liitle rotary switch sets it for one of many monitors. <Off-list please as these are really less than 10 years old. They are close enough to 10 may be even over it. Allison

27 years, 1 month

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SWTPc 6800

by dogas＠leading.net

I finally got all the parts together (including a newly acquired ct-64 terminal) to start the 6800's restoration. I took several pictures that can be found at: http://millennial-concepts.com/dogas/swtpc.html :) - Mike: dogas(a)leading.net

27 years, 1 month

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VAXstation 3100

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<I can pick up a VAXstation 3100 (just the box, no monitor/keyboard/etc). <Is this worth messing with? Yes for OSs there are three choices, VMS, Ultrix and NetBSD. There is a free license for the first one and the last one is not quite ready for prime time(unless you really like to work at it). <What's in it processor wise? Vax! Without a specific model number it's hard to be more specific. They are all VAX, the difference being speed and added performance. Of it's an older one it's like Cvax, later Nvax, most recent SOC. Most 3100s are SCSI for disks and tape, have eithernet and several serial ports so they can be quite useful for routers, mailservers, WWW servers and the like. < Can I rig it to a VGA monitor? Never tried, uses some high scan rates and very high resolution. However if that fails you can plug a terminal into the back and talk to it that way. <Should I let it pass? I'm biased, never! Allison

27 years, 1 month

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VAXstation 3100

by arfonrg＠texas.net

I can pick up a VAXstation 3100 (just the box, no monitor/keyboard/etc). Is this worth messing with? What's in it processor wise? Can I rig it to a VGA monitor? Should I let it pass? ---------------------------------------- Tired of Micro$oft??? Move up to a REAL OS... ######__ __ ____ __ __ _ __ # #####/ / / / / __ | / / / / | |/ /## ####/ / / / / / / / / / / / | /### ###/ /__ / / / / / / / /_/ / / |#### ##/____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /_____/ /_/|_|#### # ###### ("LINUX" for those of you without fixed-width fonts) ---------------------------------------- Be a Slacker! http://www.slackware.com Slackware Mailing List: http://www.digitalslackers.net/linux/list.html

27 years, 1 month

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8-bits as terminals (Was: Serial Multiplexor)

by CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com

>>What would do you the most good is a DECServer 700 or some other TCP/IP >>compatible terminal server. This you can throw onto your LAN quite easily. >>Older DECServers (like the 200 and 300) can be put into service as well if >>you want to go to the trouble of enabling MOP boot support and LAT in >>your Linux box. >Hmmm.. that's kinda impossible for me because, things like DECServer 700 >don't pop up too often... That's OK - any DEC reseller will be glad to sell you something like a DECServer 700. Looking through the _Processor_ that came in the mail today I see some 16-port units with flash memory in the $1500-$2000 price range. They're *nice* terminal servers - you can even set them up as either end of a PPP connection and they'll route to/from your LAN! -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927

27 years, 1 month

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VAXstation CDROM questions (again)

by allisonp＠world.std.com

<I assume the SCSI cable required is the old style 68? pin (female) Yes the M76 requires the 68pin at one end cable. Also JDR (WWW.JDR.COM) in California has 4x SCSI cdroms for a cheap $29.95 This might help others looking for SCSI cdroms. Don't know if that would work right with vaxen but it's cheap. Allison

27 years, 1 month

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8-bits as terminals (Was: Serial Multiplexor)

by danburrows＠mindspring.com

> >You know of one for $25.00? That doesn't require and IRQ for every port? See if your version of Linux supports Digiboards. If so I have a bunch but I will need time to make a list. They are 2, 4, 8 and 16 port version and the 8 and 16 port ones that I have played with so far you can run with either no interrupts under NT4. I only have a few cab kits however so you may have to make a cable set. I think I have the pinout info. Contact me off list for further details. Dan danburrows(a)mindspring.com dburrows(a)netpath.net

27 years, 1 month

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